CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The city government is conducting a comprehensive study of the tourism potential of five diving sites here.
MAYOR Malou Morillo (center) receives a briefing from a diving expert (left) during a tour of Calapan City’s diving sites. (FB)
Mayor Malou F. Morillo said these have pristine waters and diverse marine life comparable to popular diving spots in Puerto Galera and Batangas.
Morillo said her initiative to explore the underwater beauty of this city was inspired by an award naming the Philippines as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination in the World Travel Awards-Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony in Vietnam in 2023.
“We are also doing this to give a sure direction of the tourism program of the city,” Morillo said in a social media post.
One of these five potential diving sites is Harka Piloto Island in Barangay Lazareto which is surrounded by crystal blue waters that are teeming with a wide variety of marine life and an ideal destination for diving and snorkeling.
Morillo toured the area and was accompanied by Yvette Lee, an international diver and diving experts Mel Agudo and Kenneth Lim where they validated the earlier discovery of the local Fisheries Management Office and diving clubs from Batangas City, Puerto Galera, and the non-government organization Blue Alliance Philippines.
She said their tourism program is anchored on their thrust to promote tourism sites and considering the protection of marine biodiversity and the livelihood of people here.